I spent most of my adult life working as a mechanical technician then computer programmer in Ontario. I come originally from Hamilton, Ont., and spent time in several communities working in technical positions. On retirement I moved to North Battleford to help with myfamilyand have remained here since.
I worked for several years in the Chapel Gallery, first under curator Holly Hildebrand and then curator Michael Brokop as a gallery assistant.
Retirement gave me the opportunity to get heavily involved in the arts community as I spent time on the local arts board, joined Prairie Sculptors in Saskatoon and helped found the Arts Quest group in Saskatoon. For the last five years I have been taking USCAD certificate courses at the University of Saskatchewan and will beparticipating ina graduate show at the Snelgrove Gallery at the University of Saskatchewan.
I'm primarily an abstract painter, influenced by the simple yet deep texture of my prairie surroundings. In addition I work on steel sculpture, trying to keep the simple form of prairie landscape.
My influences come from the colour field painters such as Mark Rothko and Helen Frankenthaler and abstract expressionistslike Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell.
Colour and simplicity are my main concerns when painting and I like to use several layers of paint, leaving a deep and hopefully mystical impression on the viewer.
My sculptures are an extension of the simple forms of the painting in a more tangible medium.
At present I am part of the ARC group of artists which has recently moved into a location on 101st Street in downtown North Battleford. We hope to have an open house shortly which will present the group to North Battleford residents.
Art notes: There was a small but productive crowd at the Don Ross Centre last week. We worked on everything from acrylic on canvas to ink on paper. We thank everyone who came to Meota to attend our show at the boat club and hope you get a chance to see the member showat the Chapel Gallery as quite a few of the Art Club have work entered.
Please note the sculpture symposium presented by the Chapel Gallery starting Aug. 10. Again, some Art Club members will be participating in this event. I would also like to bring attention to the ARC group of 12 artists who recently secured studio space on 101st Street in downtown North Battleford.
